St. Helens Saints 42 Huddersfield Giants 12 (August 26, 2006)
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0 votes 
0 commentsRugby League
Challenge Cup Final
65,157 fans took to Twickenham, a more traditional Rugby Union venue, for the 2006 Rugby League Challenge Cup Final.
St. Helens took on Huddersfield in the traditional Rugby League knockout cup, which has been played for by clubs from all over Europe in its' history, and was first played in 1897. Rugby League is the game closest to American Football in the world.
Huddersfield last won the trophy in 1953, and St. Helens 2004. Huddersfield were mid-table in the Super League, and St. Helens were run away leaders. It looked like it could be a walk over. However, Huddersfield beat St. Helens greatest Super League rivals, Leeds Rhinos in the Semi Finals. That said, St. Helens were the strongest favourites in the 110 year history of the competition's final.
Huddersfield started well from the kickoff. A misfielded kick-return lead to a chance in the first few seconds, which they failed to score on.
Huddersfield were to take the lead shortly, to go 6-0 up. Huddersfield played well initially, with good pressure on kick-returns, and a gameplay involving no mistakes.
Huddersfield gradually tired, and but for some last ditch tackling, the score would have been horrible. At half-time, St. Helens only led 12-6, and it looked like anyone's game if Huddersfield could maintain their early play.
In the second half, St. Helens scored more tries, and after 60 minutes, the game was won.
Huddersfield fought back determindly, but it was all in vain, as the Saints lead was insurmountable at that point.
Jon Wilkins had an eventful game, scoring two tries, playing with a broken nose, and committing a high-tackle on a Saints' player which will lead to a suspension after the game.
The Lance Todd Trophy for the Man of the Match in the Challenge Cup Final went to Sean Long, for the third time - a record in the competition's history. He controlled the game well, and his kicking was excellent.
It is hoped the game can return to it's traditional venue - Wembley - in 2007.
Date
August 26, 2006
